As I reached my fourth year of Graphic Design at OCAD University, it was time to start my thesis. We were given two semesters to work on a project of our choice that highlighted our skills. I wanted to create something that I was passionate about and would enjoy working on for two semesters. An interest in the Marvel and DC superhero universes led me to create a comic book for my thesis project.

Irudaya Dance Company is our teaching and performing company based in Toronto. We teach various techniques and the importance of Bharathanatyam, while encouraging our students to explore their creativity. Having explored other dance genres like Bollywood, Gaana and Tamil cinema as Inter-University competition choreographers throughout our postsecondary education, we are confident in our ability to teach these genres alongside Bharathanatyam.

Growing up, I must have heard this sentence over a thousand times, both in English and in Tamil. This phrase has been on my mind for so long, especially pertaining to why people feel the need to say it. I have never been insecure about the colour of my skin and for those who know me personally, I have never complained about my skin colour either. I am comfortable in my skin, and personally I wouldn’t want to be any other colour.

Like many first generation diaspora Tamils, I grew up not really speaking Tamil. I spent the majority of my college years and early adulthood chastising my parents for not having taught me when I was young. Being an adult made it much harder to learn a language. Being an adult also made me responsible for my life choices. I wanted to speak Tamil.

Jodi Bridal Show, one of the most popular Tamil wedding shows in Canada, is facing some backlash over their magazine’s cover choice this year. While most people have shown support and admiration for the artistic direction of the cover, and the empowering message it aims to send that the modern Tamil bride can dress as she likes, a select few feel that it’s tainting Tamil culture.